What to do and see in the Val d’Orcia

• Castiglione d’Orcia and the Sala d’Arte San Giovanni

  In the old oratory of San Giovanni, the art collection brings together works from churches in Castiglione and Rocca d’Orcia, including paintings by Simone Martini and his workshop, Vecchietta and Giovanni di Paolo. Make it part of your stroll through the village.

  Plan your visit to the art collection

• Sarteano and the Quadriga Infernale

  The Civic Archaeological Museum houses finds from the area’s necropolises and a life-size reconstruction of the Tomb of the Quadriga Infernale. It is a fascinating glimpse into Etruscan beliefs. The original tomb is at Pianacce: ask the museum how to arrange a visit, as access is separate from admission to the exhibition rooms.

  Discover the museum and Sarteano

• Chiusi and the National Etruscan Museum

  Canopic urns and bucchero pottery bring Etruscan history to life; the museum also holds Roman and Lombard finds. Take time to notice the details. The tombs associated with the museum are temporarily closed: check the official page for news of any reopening.

  Chiusi museum information and notices

Before setting off, check opening arrangements and enter your destination in your navigation app. On your return, there is another way to get to know these places: a meal or a few days in the countryside at Terre di Giorgio.

• Piazza del Campo and the Civic Museum

  Begin in Piazza del Campo and notice how the streets open onto its shell-shaped square. Inside the Palazzo Pubblico, the Civic Museum houses Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Good Government fresco cycle. City and countryside meet in these paintings, telling a story that still resonates with visitors to this part of Tuscany.

  Plan your day in Siena

• Choose your route through the cathedral complex

  Allow time for the cathedral and the Piccolomini Library. The complex also includes the Museo dell’Opera and the panoramic Facciatone; the Porta del Cielo route takes you into the cathedral’s upper spaces. Routes and tickets differ, and the marble floor is uncovered only at certain times of year. Use the official website to choose the places you would like to see.

  Cathedral complex opening times and tickets

• The Palio, a celebration shared by a whole city

  The two regular races take place on 2 July and 16 August. Ten of Siena’s seventeen contrade compete in each Palio, but the celebration belongs to the whole city. The four-day programme includes the allocation of horses and six trial runs, followed by blessings and the historical procession on race day. To understand the Palio, take in the colours, rituals and everyday life of the contrade too.

  Admission to the centre of Piazza del Campo for the trials and the Palio is free, provided you enter before the access points close. Grandstand seats, windows and balconies are paid for separately, with no central ticket office. Check the municipality’s current programme and access information before making plans: a Palio day calls for a different pace from an ordinary sightseeing visit.

  Programme and access information from the municipality

For directions, set your navigation app to a car park rather than the cathedral, which cannot be reached directly by car. The Opera recommends the Duomo and Il Campo car parks. Continue on foot, and if you have accessibility needs, check the route and entrance arrangements for each monument.

Back at Terre di Giorgio, the quiet of the hills awaits. Make the estate your base for days of art, visits to the villages of the Val d’Orcia and the flavours of our kitchen.

Choose your stay at Terre di Giorgio

Explore the area’s festivals and traditions too

Siena and the Palio: information checked on 17 September 2026. The official websites linked here provide current programmes and opening details.